Expedia Cracks the Code on New Year's Eve Travel

New Year's Eve is synonymous with fireworks, countdowns, midnight kisses and incredible celebrations around the world. A recent survey of more than 1,000 Americans revealed nearly 20 percent of Americans may travel for the holiday this year, and nearly a quarter plan to be away for more than ten days. To help travelers kiss 2017 goodbye in style, Expedia data experts have compiled everything travelers need to know about when to book, where to go and how to get the best deals.

"Pumpkin spice season has just begun, but it's never too early to start planning your New Year's Eve," says Sarah Gavin, Expedia's Vice President of Global Communications. "A little research now can prepare travelers to jump on great deals so they can ring in the New Year in an amazing destination. And you can still find an average of $600 in savings during popular travel windows like New Year's Eve just by bundling your flights and hotel."

When to Book

Expedia.com data shows that travelers in the U.S. should book NYE travel 21-30 days in advance to save around five percent on airfares. This is one instance where planning too far in advance might actually hurt you – travelers who book more than 90 days out paid the most, almost 10 percent more than average ticket prices.

Cheapest time to book:between November 26 and December 5

Most expensive times to book: prior to September 27, and between December 20 and December 26

10 NYE Destinations Under $400

Though fireworks and festivities are a big draw for NYE travelers, according to survey respondents, the number one factor when choosing a destination for the holiday is the cost of airfare and accommodations. For those looking for a memorable trip that doesn't clean out their bank account, these are 10 of the cheapest destinations for NYE:

Seattle - average ticket price of $309

Salt Lake City - average ticket price of $341

Phoenix - average ticket price of $342

Denver - average ticket price of $342

Tampa - average ticket price of $347

San Francisco - average ticket price of $361

Fort Lauderdale - average ticket price of $362

Nassau - average ticket price of $369

Mexico City – average ticket price of $372

Los Angeles – average ticket price of $377

10 Most Popular Destinations for NYE

Roughly half of survey respondents traveling for NYE plan to remain stateside, and these are the destinations predicted to be the most popular for NYE, based on 2016 flight data:

New York

Los Angeles

Orlando

Denver

Phoenix

Atlanta

Fort Lauderdale

Chicago

San Francisco

Washington D.C.

Trending Destinations for NYE 2017

For travelers looking for up-and-coming spots to ring in the New Year, Expedia data reveals trending destinations that are seeing a boost in interest this year but are still off the well-trod path for NYE:

Philadelphia – 500 percent increase in interest

Hong Kong – 465 percent increase in interest

Bogota – 365 percent increase in interest

Nashville – 235 percent increase in interest

New Orleans – 170 percent increase in interest

Montego Bay – 170 percent increase in interest

Bozeman – 160 percent increase in interest

Bangkok – 130 percent increase in interest

Punta Cana - 65 percent increase in interest

Honolulu – 50 percent increase in interest

More Ways to Save

Travelers can snap up even more savings by signing in or becoming an Expedia+ Rewards member, earning points and unlocking access to members only deals and perks. Members save 10 percent or more instantly on select hotels, just by signing in.

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